The service opened with worship and prayer, followed by a sermon focused on spiritual warfare from Ephesians 6:10-12. The preacher emphasized reliance on Jesus' strength, the necessity of wearing God's armor, and the reality of Satan as the primary enemy. Attendees were urged to stand firm in faith against spiritual attacks.
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God, once again, we love you tonight. We God, once again, we love you tonight. We want to come worship you in spirit and want to come worship you in spirit and want to come worship you in spirit and truth. We just thank you for the day truth. We just thank you for the day truth. We just thank you for the day that you've created, Lord, that we can that you've created, Lord, that we can that you've created, Lord, that we can get our rest, Lord God, and come and get our rest, Lord God, and come and get our rest, Lord God, and come and worship you in your house today, Lord. worship you in your house today, Lord. worship you in your house today, Lord. We just thank you for all the many We just thank you for all the many We just thank you for all the many blessings. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Bless that wonderful name Bless that wonderful name [music and singing] of Jesus. [music and singing] of Jesus. [music and singing] of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name Bless that wonderful name Bless that wonderful name [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name Bless that wonderful name Bless that wonderful name [music and singing] of Jesus. [music and singing] of Jesus. [music and singing] of Jesus. No other name I [singing] know. No other name I [singing] know. No other name I [singing] know. I love to bless [music] that wonderful I love to bless [music] that wonderful I love to bless [music] that wonderful name [singing] name [singing] name [singing] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Bless that [singing] wonderful name of Bless that [singing] wonderful name of Bless that [singing] wonderful name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. No other name I know. No other name I know. No other name I know. How [music] mighty [singing] How [music] mighty [singing] How [music] mighty [singing] is the name of Jesus. is the name of Jesus. is the name of Jesus. Holy is the [singing] name of Jesus. Holy is the [singing] name of Jesus. Holy is the [singing] name of Jesus. [music] No other name [singing] I [music] know. No other name [singing] I [music] know. I love to bless that wonderful name I love to bless that wonderful name I love to bless that wonderful name [music] of Jesus. [music] of Jesus. [music] of Jesus. Bless that [music] wonderful name of Bless that [music] wonderful name of Bless that [music] wonderful name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] Yes. Bless that wonderful [music] Yes. Bless that wonderful [music] Yes. Bless that wonderful [singing] [singing] [singing] name of Jesus. No other name [music and singing] No other name [music and singing] I know. Worthy [singing and music] is the name Worthy [singing and music] is the name of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Wonderful [music] is [singing] the name Wonderful [music] is [singing] the name Wonderful [music] is [singing] the name of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Oh son of God is he [music and singing] Oh son of God is he [music and singing] Oh son of God is he [music and singing] my Jesus. No other name I know. No other name I know. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Oh, let's just praise that wonderful Oh, let's just praise that wonderful Oh, let's just praise that wonderful name [singing] of Jesus. [music] I love name [singing] of Jesus. [music] I love name [singing] of Jesus. [music] I love to praise that wonderful name [singing] to praise that wonderful name [singing] to praise that wonderful name [singing] of Jesus. [music] I love to praise that of Jesus. [music] I love to praise that of Jesus. [music] I love to praise that wonderful [singing] name of Jesus. wonderful [singing] name of Jesus. wonderful [singing] name of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] No other name [singing] I know. No other name [singing] I know. No other name [singing] I know. Oh, let's just praise that a wonderful Oh, let's just praise that a wonderful Oh, let's just praise that a wonderful name [music and singing] of Jesus. name [music and singing] of Jesus. name [music and singing] of Jesus. Praise a wonderful name of Praise a wonderful name of Praise a wonderful name of [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I love to praise a wonderful name of I love to praise a wonderful name of I love to praise a wonderful name of Jesus. No other name I know. No other name I know. [music] [music] [music] Yes. Worthy is [singing] the name of Yes. Worthy is [singing] the name of Yes. Worthy is [singing] the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Wonderful is the [singing and music] Wonderful is the [singing and music] Wonderful is the [singing and music] name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. Wholesome God is he my Jesus. Wholesome God is he my Jesus. Wholesome God is he my Jesus. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] No other name I know. No other name I know. No other name I know. Oh, precious. Bless that wonderful name Oh, precious. Bless that wonderful name Oh, precious. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. [music] of Jesus. [music] of Jesus. [music] Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Come on and bless that wonderful name of Come on and bless that wonderful name of Come on and bless that wonderful name of Jesus. other name I know. [music] other name I know. [music] I love to bless that wonderful name I love to bless that wonderful name I love to bless that wonderful name [singing] of Jesus. [singing] of Jesus. [singing] of Jesus. Bless [music] that wonderful name of Bless [music] that wonderful name of Bless [music] that wonderful name of Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] Oh, bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Because her name I know. Because her name I know. Oh, so mighty is the name Oh, so mighty is the name Oh, so mighty is the name [singing and music] of Jesus. [singing and music] of Jesus. [singing and music] of Jesus. Holy is [singing] the name of Jesus. Holy is [singing] the name of Jesus. Holy is [singing] the name of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] And glorious is the name of Jesus. And glorious is the name of Jesus. And glorious is the name of Jesus. There's no other name I know. There's no other name I know. There's no other name I know. So let's just praise that [music] So let's just praise that [music] So let's just praise that [music] wonderful name of Jesus. wonderful name of Jesus. wonderful name of Jesus. Praise [music] that wonderful [singing] Praise [music] that wonderful [singing] Praise [music] that wonderful [singing] name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. Oh, praise that wonderful name Oh, praise that wonderful name Oh, praise that wonderful name [music and singing] of Jesus. No other name I know. Come on choir. No other name I know. Come on choir. [music] [music] [music] Oh, let's just praise that a wonderful Oh, let's just praise that a wonderful Oh, let's just praise that a wonderful name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. Praise that wonderful name of Jesus. Praise that wonderful name of Jesus. Praise that wonderful name of Jesus. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh, let's just praise a wonderful name Oh, let's just praise a wonderful name Oh, let's just praise a wonderful name of Jesus. The name I [singing and music] know. The name I [singing and music] know. Oh, let's just bless that wonderful name Oh, let's just bless that wonderful name Oh, let's just bless that wonderful name [music and singing] of Jesus. [music and singing] of Jesus. [music and singing] of Jesus. Let's just bless that wonderful Let's just bless that wonderful Let's just bless that wonderful [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. Oh, bless [music] that wonderful name of Oh, bless [music] that wonderful name of Oh, bless [music] that wonderful name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] No [singing] other name I know. No [singing] other name I know. No [singing] other name I know. [music] No other name I know. No other name I know. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh, there is no other name I know. Oh, there is no other name I know. Oh, there is no other name I know. [music and singing] Hallelujah. [applause] Hallelujah. [applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank you. where he lives [music] and where he lives [music] and back to heaven. He's at the father's back to heaven. He's at the father's back to heaven. He's at the father's side. side. side. I can still [music] [music] Even Even Even he's watching over my feet. He is wherever [music] wherever [music] I am. That's where my savior is I am. That's where my savior is I am. That's where my savior is talking about about living in the highest [music] living in the highest [music] living in the highest [music] he be that's where [music] my savior is. be that's where [music] my savior is. In the darkest [music] In the darkest [music] In the darkest [music] hour, he is by [singing] my side. A hour, he is by [singing] my side. A hour, he is by [singing] my side. A faithful [music] faithful [music] faithful [music] man always cheering Even I am Even I am he he he is I am [music] is I am [music] is I am [music] wherever I wherever I wherever I savior savior savior [music] [music] [music] wherever I need him. That's where my wherever I need him. That's where my wherever I need him. That's where my savior is. savior is. savior is. You my [music] You my [music] You my [music] he is by [singing] my side. A faithful he is by [singing] my side. A faithful he is by [singing] my side. A faithful always There [music] even in a [music] even in a [music] He He He is I am is I am is I am wherever [music and singing] wherever [music and singing] wherever [music and singing] I need him. That's where my savior is. I need him. That's where my savior is. I need him. That's where my savior is. And he comes walking on And he comes walking on And he comes walking on the wind. You'll find [music] him. the wind. You'll find [music] him. the wind. You'll find [music] him. Even in [singing] a lion's Even in [singing] a lion's Even in [singing] a lion's he he he is myior I [singing] know it can't be long till I [singing] know it can't be long till the Lord will be coming for his own the Lord will be coming for his own the Lord will be coming for his own no more trouble [music] will ever come again as we sing will ever come again as we sing Jesus from the Jesus from the Jesus from the [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] There is no [music] coming down for Jesus to be [music] coming down for Jesus to be his glory to his glory to his glory to be the one [music] of never ending. of never ending. The lamb [music] of God will take the The lamb [music] of God will take the The lamb [music] of God will take the night away. night away. night away. It won't be long till It won't be long till It won't be long till [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] God will call us God will call us God will call us [music] [music] [music] great great great all our all our all our [singing] for Jesus will be [singing] for Jesus will be [singing] his glory to God. [music] The never end The never end the [music] lamb of God will take the the [music] lamb of God will take the the [music] lamb of God will take the night away and God and God [music] [music] [music] will be there [music] [music] never will take our will take our [music] [music] [music] I want to live in that saving that John I want to live in that saving that John I want to live in that saving that John saw coming down. saw coming down. saw coming down. [music] No more darkness, no more [singing] No more darkness, no more [singing] for Jesus is the light and the sun for Jesus is the light and the sun for Jesus is the light and the sun to shine. [music] might [music] might stop coming down for Jesus will be there coming [music] down. coming [music] down. Jesus will be there. His stories well Jesus will be there. His stories well Jesus will be there. His stories well [music] never ending. never ending. A lamb of God will take the night away. A lamb of God will take the night away. A lamb of God will take the night away. [music] I want to live in that city that all I want to live in that city that all coming down for our [music] prayer for Jesus is the for Jesus is the sun coming coming Jesus Jesus Jesus before the lamb of God will [music] take the the lamb of God will [music] take the night [music] [music] that are coming down the season coming down for Jesus [music] will be coming down for Jesus [music] will be there. Yes. Glory to God. The lamb will come to take the night The lamb will come to take the night away. [music] singing that song and I was thinking singing that song and I was thinking about, you know, there there's I've about, you know, there there's I've about, you know, there there's I've heard tale of uh some places sometimes heard tale of uh some places sometimes heard tale of uh some places sometimes of the year where the sun shines all day of the year where the sun shines all day of the year where the sun shines all day and night and I think it's in in the and night and I think it's in in the and night and I think it's in in the summertime maybe up there around summertime maybe up there around summertime maybe up there around somewhere in Alaska and what they call somewhere in Alaska and what they call somewhere in Alaska and what they call the midnight sun just because of the way the midnight sun just because of the way the midnight sun just because of the way the earth's tilted, that kind of thing. the earth's tilted, that kind of thing. the earth's tilted, that kind of thing. And that came to my mind while I'm And that came to my mind while I'm And that came to my mind while I'm singing that song. Well, you might could singing that song. Well, you might could singing that song. Well, you might could go and and experience that in in Alaska go and and experience that in in Alaska go and and experience that in in Alaska on a cruise or go visit on a vacation on a cruise or go visit on a vacation on a cruise or go visit on a vacation someday and and you think the snow someday and and you think the snow someday and and you think the snow messes you up messes you up messes you up about that daylight at midnight. That about that daylight at midnight. That about that daylight at midnight. That would really kind of throw you off too would really kind of throw you off too would really kind of throw you off too and you can get really off his schedule. and you can get really off his schedule. and you can get really off his schedule. But our God's an amazing God. His But our God's an amazing God. His But our God's an amazing God. His creation is amazing. But one day, Jesus creation is amazing. But one day, Jesus creation is amazing. But one day, Jesus power and light. We're going to have no power and light. We're going to have no power and light. We're going to have no more power bills. We're not going to more power bills. We're not going to more power bills. We're not going to need no more of these lights because need no more of these lights because need no more of these lights because Jesus is going to be that eternal life. Jesus is going to be that eternal life. Jesus is going to be that eternal life. Praise God. Look forward to it one day. Praise God. Look forward to it one day. Praise God. Look forward to it one day. Praise the Lord. Let's continue our Praise the Lord. Let's continue our Praise the Lord. Let's continue our worship by the giving of tithes and an worship by the giving of tithes and an worship by the giving of tithes and an offering if our ushers will come at this offering if our ushers will come at this offering if our ushers will come at this time. right. Thank you for your giving tonight right. Thank you for your giving tonight and that's a form of worship and and that's a form of worship and and that's a form of worship and honoring the Lord. We're going to honoring the Lord. We're going to honoring the Lord. We're going to continue right into some more worship continue right into some more worship continue right into some more worship and I believe Sister David's going to and I believe Sister David's going to and I believe Sister David's going to sing. have worship with Sister David and sing. have worship with Sister David and sing. have worship with Sister David and immediately after her, brother Clyde immediately after her, brother Clyde immediately after her, brother Clyde will be bringing the word. God bless will be bringing the word. God bless will be bringing the word. God bless you. There's a [singing] light in the window There's a [singing] light in the window the table spread the table spread the table spread through. through. through. Another one [singing and music] standing Another one [singing and music] standing Another one [singing and music] standing by the open door. I [singing] can't see a crystal river. I [singing] can't see a crystal river. I must [music] be [singing] near forever I must [music] be [singing] near forever I must [music] be [singing] near forever cuz I've never been this home sick cuz I've never been this home sick cuz I've never been this home sick before. before. before. Oh, see the bright light shine. Oh, see the bright light shine. Oh, see the bright light shine. It's just about long time. [singing] It's just about long time. [singing] It's just about long time. [singing] I can't see my father standing at the I can't see my father standing at the I can't see my father standing at the door. [singing] This world's been a wild This world's been a wild and I'm ready for deliverance. and I'm ready for deliverance. and I'm ready for deliverance. All I've ever been this home sick All I've ever been this home sick All I've ever been this home sick [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] before. I can see the family gather. I can see the family gather. So your face is so familiar, So your face is so familiar, So your face is so familiar, but no one's old or feeble [singing] but no one's old or feeble [singing] but no one's old or feeble [singing] anymore. Oh, my lonesome [singing] hearts crying. Oh, my lonesome [singing] hearts crying. Think I spread my wings are [singing] Think I spread my wings are [singing] Think I spread my wings are [singing] flying. flying. flying. I've [music] never been this homeick I've [music] never been this homeick I've [music] never been this homeick before. before. before. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, see the [music] blind shine. Oh, see the [music] blind shine. Oh, see the [music] blind shine. [singing] It's just about all time. [singing] It's just about all time. [singing] It's just about all time. I can't see my father standing at the I can't see my father standing at the I can't see my father standing at the door. door. door. This world's in a wildness. This world's in a wildness. This world's in a wildness. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. Lord, I've never [singing] been this Lord, I've never [singing] been this Lord, I've never [singing] been this home sick before. home sick before. home sick before. Oh, see the bright light shine. Oh, see the bright light shine. Oh, see the bright light shine. It's just about hometown church. It's just about hometown church. It's just about hometown church. I [music] can't see the father said I [music] can't see the father said I [music] can't see the father said the door. [music] the door. [music] the door. [music] This world's been a wild. [singing] This world's been a wild. [singing] This world's been a wild. [singing] I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. Lord, I've never been this [singing] Lord, I've never been this [singing] Lord, I've never been this [singing] home sick [music] home sick [music] home sick [music] before. I can see the family [singing] gather. I can see the family [singing] gather. Sweet faces, they're all familiar, Sweet faces, they're all familiar, Sweet faces, they're all familiar, [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] but no one's old or feeble [music] but no one's old or feeble [music] but no one's old or feeble anymore. anymore. anymore. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] My lonesome heart is [singing] crying. My lonesome heart is [singing] crying. My lonesome heart is [singing] crying. Lord, I spread my wings for life. Lord, Lord, I spread my wings for life. Lord, Lord, I spread my wings for life. Lord, I've never been this home sick before. I've never been this home sick before. I've never been this home sick before. See the bright light shine. It's just See the bright light shine. It's just See the bright light shine. It's just about home time. about home time. about home time. I can't see my father standing at the I can't see my father standing at the I can't see my father standing at the door. Lord, this world's been a door. Lord, this world's been a door. Lord, this world's been a wilderness. wilderness. wilderness. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. [music] Lord, I'll never be this whole [music] Lord, I'll never be this whole [music] Lord, I'll never be this whole sick people. sick people. sick people. See [singing] the bright [music] lights See [singing] the bright [music] lights See [singing] the bright [music] lights shine. It's just about home. shine. It's just about home. shine. It's just about home. I can't see my standing at the door. I can't see my standing at the door. I can't see my standing at the door. Lord, this world a wilderness Lord, this world a wilderness Lord, this world a wilderness I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. Lord, I've never been this home sick Lord, I've never been this home sick Lord, I've never been this home sick before. [singing] before. [singing] before. [singing] This world has been a [music] This world has been a [music] This world has been a [music] wilderness. wilderness. wilderness. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. I'm ready for deliverance. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Lord, I've never been this homeick Lord, I've never been this homeick Lord, I've never been this homeick before. Oh, If you would stand with me, please. If you would stand with me, please. Be reading out the book of Ephesians Be reading out the book of Ephesians Be reading out the book of Ephesians tonight. Very familiar part of the scripture. You Very familiar part of the scripture. You heard it many times heard it many times heard it many times before. before. before. chapter 6. I'm read verses 10 and verses chapter 6. I'm read verses 10 and verses chapter 6. I'm read verses 10 and verses 10, 11, and 12 actually 10, 11, and 12 actually 10, 11, and 12 actually to us tonight. Verse 10 says, "Finally, my brethren, be Verse 10 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of strong in the Lord and in the power of strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. his might. his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you Put on the whole armor of God that you Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the ws of may be able to stand against the ws of may be able to stand against the ws of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, blood, but against principalities, blood, but against principalities, against powers, against powers, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of against the rulers of the darkness of against the rulers of the darkness of this world, this world, this world, against spiritual wickedness in high against spiritual wickedness in high against spiritual wickedness in high places. You can be seated. I want to first look at that word I want to first look at that word finally. finally. finally. Have you ever expected something and you Have you ever expected something and you Have you ever expected something and you seem like it was never going to come? seem like it was never going to come? seem like it was never going to come? And the first thing you said when it And the first thing you said when it And the first thing you said when it come finally come finally come finally it's come. it's come. it's come. And that's why I'm about to come in the And that's why I'm about to come in the And that's why I'm about to come in the Lord. I'm waiting. Lord. I'm waiting. Lord. I'm waiting. But I know one day finally But I know one day finally But I know one day finally he's going to come. So that first word in verse 10 is kind So that first word in verse 10 is kind of a kind of a blessing word. Paul was of a kind of a blessing word. Paul was of a kind of a blessing word. Paul was kind of finishing up some things here in kind of finishing up some things here in kind of finishing up some things here in the book of Ephesians. the book of Ephesians. the book of Ephesians. That word finally indicates that we've That word finally indicates that we've That word finally indicates that we've reached that last major section of the reached that last major section of the reached that last major section of the book of Ephesians. book of Ephesians. book of Ephesians. And as Paul nears the end of this of And as Paul nears the end of this of And as Paul nears the end of this of this precious book, he closes with a this precious book, he closes with a this precious book, he closes with a final series of admonitions. final series of admonitions. final series of admonitions. He challenges his readers to open their He challenges his readers to open their He challenges his readers to open their eyes to the spiritual warfare eyes to the spiritual warfare eyes to the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged. in which they are engaged. in which they are engaged. And he calls them to be sure. And he calls them to be sure. And he calls them to be sure. Folks, you got to be sure that you're on Folks, you got to be sure that you're on Folks, you got to be sure that you're on the right foundation. the right foundation. the right foundation. You got to be sure that you're wearing You got to be sure that you're wearing You got to be sure that you're wearing the proper spiritual garments. the proper spiritual garments. the proper spiritual garments. And you got to be sure that you're And you got to be sure that you're And you got to be sure that you're fighting the right enemies. fighting the right enemies. fighting the right enemies. And lastly, you got to be sure that And lastly, you got to be sure that And lastly, you got to be sure that you're trusting in the Lord. that verses 10 through 18 is a statement that verses 10 through 18 is a statement makes a statement about the matter of makes a statement about the matter of makes a statement about the matter of spiritual field warfare. spiritual field warfare. spiritual field warfare. Now I'm not sure that Now I'm not sure that Now I'm not sure that all of us tonight recognize all of us tonight recognize all of us tonight recognize but we are always engaged in spiritual but we are always engaged in spiritual but we are always engaged in spiritual warfare. And I'll say more about that in a little And I'll say more about that in a little bit. But by the way of introduction bit. But by the way of introduction bit. But by the way of introduction tonight, I I would remind us that the tonight, I I would remind us that the tonight, I I would remind us that the people of God people of God people of God face some very real and very powerful face some very real and very powerful face some very real and very powerful enemies in this world. There is a being and we all know who There is a being and we all know who that being is. That being is Satan. that being is. That being is Satan. that being is. That being is Satan. He controls an evil kingdom of demonic He controls an evil kingdom of demonic He controls an evil kingdom of demonic forces. forces. forces. Satan and his de and his demons are are Satan and his de and his demons are are Satan and his de and his demons are are doing all they can to undermine the work doing all they can to undermine the work doing all they can to undermine the work of God in this world. of God in this world. of God in this world. They're doing all they can to defeat and They're doing all they can to defeat and They're doing all they can to defeat and discourage discourage discourage the people of God. the people of God. the people of God. And they're doing all they can to hinder And they're doing all they can to hinder And they're doing all they can to hinder the church, the body of Christ. the church, the body of Christ. the church, the body of Christ. And they're doing all they can to see And they're doing all they can to see And they're doing all they can to see that we, the people of God, that we, the people of God, that we, the people of God, fail, as brother Robert talked about fail, as brother Robert talked about fail, as brother Robert talked about this morning, fail in our mission to this morning, fail in our mission to this morning, fail in our mission to live for God and to bring him glory. live for God and to bring him glory. live for God and to bring him glory. That's the devil's purpose. That's the devil's purpose. That's the devil's purpose. Cause us to fail. Cause us to come short Cause us to fail. Cause us to come short Cause us to fail. Cause us to come short the glory of God. the glory of God. the glory of God. Now, the enemies that you and I face Now, the enemies that you and I face Now, the enemies that you and I face tonight are powerful enemies. They're tonight are powerful enemies. They're tonight are powerful enemies. They're very powerful enemies. powers that we very powerful enemies. powers that we very powerful enemies. powers that we can't overcome by ourselves. can't overcome by ourselves. can't overcome by ourselves. We can't defeat the devil in our own We can't defeat the devil in our own We can't defeat the devil in our own self. self. self. The battles that we fight are real The battles that we fight are real The battles that we fight are real battles. battles. battles. The cost of defeat. The cost of defeat. The cost of defeat. Sometimes it's far higher than we can Sometimes it's far higher than we can Sometimes it's far higher than we can realize. realize. realize. And the glories of victory are far more And the glories of victory are far more And the glories of victory are far more wonderful wonderful wonderful than we can imagine. than we can imagine. than we can imagine. This passage I read to you tonight tells This passage I read to you tonight tells This passage I read to you tonight tells us how to avoid failure and how to us how to avoid failure and how to us how to avoid failure and how to achieve success in the spiritual battles of life. in the spiritual battles of life. It's also about how we conduct ourselves It's also about how we conduct ourselves It's also about how we conduct ourselves in the spiritual warfare that rages in the spiritual warfare that rages in the spiritual warfare that rages around us and sometimes within us. around us and sometimes within us. around us and sometimes within us. Sometimes the battle's inside of us Sometimes the battle's inside of us Sometimes the battle's inside of us more so than it is on the outside of us. more so than it is on the outside of us. more so than it is on the outside of us. But every day of our lives as But every day of our lives as But every day of our lives as Christians, we're in a warfare. We're Christians, we're in a warfare. We're Christians, we're in a warfare. We're fighting spiritual things that we cannot fighting spiritual things that we cannot fighting spiritual things that we cannot see or cannot touch. see or cannot touch. see or cannot touch. And we have to understand that Jesus is And we have to understand that Jesus is And we have to understand that Jesus is fighting those battles for us. So I want to be preaching tonight if I So I want to be preaching tonight if I can to talk to you about spiritual can to talk to you about spiritual can to talk to you about spiritual field. warfare. field. warfare. field. warfare. We'll look at spiritual power. We'll We'll look at spiritual power. We'll We'll look at spiritual power. We'll notice the truths that's found in this notice the truths that's found in this notice the truths that's found in this passage that speak about the warfare passage that speak about the warfare passage that speak about the warfare that we fight and the spiritual power that we fight and the spiritual power that we fight and the spiritual power that we need that we need that we need if we are going to be victorious if we are going to be victorious if we are going to be victorious in our Christian walk. in our Christian walk. in our Christian walk. I don't think anybody here tonight wants I don't think anybody here tonight wants I don't think anybody here tonight wants to be defeated to be defeated to be defeated in our walk with Christ. in our walk with Christ. in our walk with Christ. I know we all have battles and we all I know we all have battles and we all I know we all have battles and we all have trials and we all have different have trials and we all have different have trials and we all have different things that we have to deal with every things that we have to deal with every things that we have to deal with every day of our lives. day of our lives. day of our lives. But sometimes we just fail to realize But sometimes we just fail to realize But sometimes we just fail to realize that there's a power that is greater that there's a power that is greater that there's a power that is greater than us. A power that is greater than than us. A power that is greater than than us. A power that is greater than Satan that is working on our behalf. Satan that is working on our behalf. Satan that is working on our behalf. Jesus is helping us each and every day Jesus is helping us each and every day Jesus is helping us each and every day that we live to get through life itself. that we live to get through life itself. that we live to get through life itself. I don't know where I'd be tonight had it I don't know where I'd be tonight had it I don't know where I'd be tonight had it not been for Jesus. not been for Jesus. not been for Jesus. I don't know where I'd be tonight. Had I don't know where I'd be tonight. Had I don't know where I'd be tonight. Had it not been for that man that hung on it not been for that man that hung on it not been for that man that hung on the cross, that middle cross some 2,000 the cross, that middle cross some 2,000 the cross, that middle cross some 2,000 years ago on a hill called Gol Gotha. years ago on a hill called Gol Gotha. years ago on a hill called Gol Gotha. He hung down. He bled and he died He hung down. He bled and he died He hung down. He bled and he died because of me, because of my sins. And tonight, he is my strength. He's my And tonight, he is my strength. He's my help. He's my God. He's everything I help. He's my God. He's everything I help. He's my God. He's everything I need to survive in this world that we need to survive in this world that we need to survive in this world that we live in. I want to talk a little bit here about I want to talk a little bit here about the source of our strength. If we're the source of our strength. If we're the source of our strength. If we're going to be victorious at all in our going to be victorious at all in our going to be victorious at all in our life in the spiritual battles that we life in the spiritual battles that we life in the spiritual battles that we face, we're going to need spiritual face, we're going to need spiritual face, we're going to need spiritual power. power. power. We're going to need spiritual power. And We're going to need spiritual power. And We're going to need spiritual power. And the problem is that none of us possess the problem is that none of us possess the problem is that none of us possess spiritual power within ourselves. We spiritual power within ourselves. We spiritual power within ourselves. We don't have that power in us to fight don't have that power in us to fight don't have that power in us to fight Satan or to overcome Satan. We're weak. Satan or to overcome Satan. We're weak. Satan or to overcome Satan. We're weak. We're frail. We're fallible We're frail. We're fallible We're frail. We're fallible and sometimes foolish creatures and sometimes foolish creatures and sometimes foolish creatures and we're often on the losing side of and we're often on the losing side of and we're often on the losing side of the battles of life. the battles of life. the battles of life. And now if we if we hope to achieve And now if we if we hope to achieve And now if we if we hope to achieve victory, we must have true spiritual victory, we must have true spiritual victory, we must have true spiritual power. power. power. And this verse tells us where that power And this verse tells us where that power And this verse tells us where that power originates that I read to you tonight. originates that I read to you tonight. originates that I read to you tonight. Our strength comes from a person. And we Our strength comes from a person. And we Our strength comes from a person. And we all know who that person is. It is Jesus all know who that person is. It is Jesus all know who that person is. It is Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. Paul said, "Be strong in the Lord." He Paul said, "Be strong in the Lord." He Paul said, "Be strong in the Lord." He didn't say, "Be strong in the world." He didn't say, "Be strong in the world." He didn't say, "Be strong in the world." He didn't say, "Be strong in the flesh." didn't say, "Be strong in the flesh." didn't say, "Be strong in the flesh." But it said, "Be strong in the Lord." But it said, "Be strong in the Lord." But it said, "Be strong in the Lord." Be strong in the Lord. Say it with me. Be strong in the Lord. Say it with me. Be strong in the Lord. Say it with me. Be strong in the Lord. Be strong in the Lord. Be strong in the Lord. But that's where our strength comes But that's where our strength comes But that's where our strength comes from. That word strong means to be from. That word strong means to be from. That word strong means to be empowered or it means to be empowered or it means to be empowered or it means to be strengthened. strengthened. strengthened. It was used to speak of of a deathbed It was used to speak of of a deathbed It was used to speak of of a deathbed patient recovering from an illness. I remember when I had my first heart I remember when I had my first heart attack back in 2005, I think it was and attack back in 2005, I think it was and attack back in 2005, I think it was and they took they took they took my my wife took me to the hospital. my my wife took me to the hospital. my my wife took me to the hospital. I didn't know exactly what was going on I didn't know exactly what was going on I didn't know exactly what was going on until later they told me what had until later they told me what had until later they told me what had happened. But that was an experience that I had But that was an experience that I had never experienced. never experienced. never experienced. Uh it's not something that you take Uh it's not something that you take Uh it's not something that you take lightly. lightly. lightly. But after I got through with that But after I got through with that But after I got through with that situation, I realized that God was my strength. that God was my strength. And that it was God that brought me And that it was God that brought me And that it was God that brought me through that situation. I've never been in a deathbed situation. I've never been in a deathbed situation. that I've seen a lot of people on their that I've seen a lot of people on their that I've seen a lot of people on their deathbed. The doctors have given them deathbed. The doctors have given them deathbed. The doctors have given them up. Family emotionally had given them up. Family emotionally had given them up. Family emotionally had given them up, but somehow or another, God came on up, but somehow or another, God came on up, but somehow or another, God came on the scene and raised them back up. the scene and raised them back up. the scene and raised them back up. That's got to be a a very pleasant That's got to be a a very pleasant That's got to be a a very pleasant experience to know that you were at experience to know that you were at experience to know that you were at death's door and God brought you back. So, it's the picture of someone who's So, it's the picture of someone who's weak being made strong. And that sounds weak being made strong. And that sounds weak being made strong. And that sounds like just what you and I need tonight. like just what you and I need tonight. like just what you and I need tonight. We're weak, but God can make us strong. We're weak, but God can make us strong. We're weak, but God can make us strong. We're weak creatures. We're weak We're weak creatures. We're weak We're weak creatures. We're weak emotionally. We're weak in the way that emotionally. We're weak in the way that emotionally. We're weak in the way that we think. We are weak in our spirits. we think. We are weak in our spirits. we think. We are weak in our spirits. We are weak when it comes to temptation We are weak when it comes to temptation We are weak when it comes to temptation and sin. and sin. and sin. We are weak in our ability to control We are weak in our ability to control We are weak in our ability to control our own wills. our own wills. our own wills. And we are simply weak. And we need And we are simply weak. And we need And we are simply weak. And we need someone to help us. someone to help us. someone to help us. and the strength that we need to walk in and the strength that we need to walk in and the strength that we need to walk in in victory in the battles of life that in victory in the battles of life that in victory in the battles of life that will never come from within ourselves. will never come from within ourselves. will never come from within ourselves. But that strength that we need can only But that strength that we need can only But that strength that we need can only come from the Lord Jesus Christ. come from the Lord Jesus Christ. come from the Lord Jesus Christ. So if you're in a battle tonight, So if you're in a battle tonight, So if you're in a battle tonight, understand that the battle is not yours. understand that the battle is not yours. understand that the battle is not yours. Understand that it is God's battle and Understand that it is God's battle and Understand that it is God's battle and God is helping you get through the God is helping you get through the God is helping you get through the battle. God is going to help you to battle. God is going to help you to battle. God is going to help you to overcome the battle, the things that overcome the battle, the things that overcome the battle, the things that you're facing in your life right now. you're facing in your life right now. you're facing in your life right now. But you got to trust him. But you got to trust him. But you got to trust him. You got to put your trust in him, your You got to put your trust in him, your You got to put your trust in him, your confidence in him. confidence in him. confidence in him. So this verse says, "Be strong in the So this verse says, "Be strong in the So this verse says, "Be strong in the Lord." And that means that any spiritual Lord." And that means that any spiritual Lord." And that means that any spiritual strength that we can ever hope to strength that we can ever hope to strength that we can ever hope to possess must come from him. Spiritual power can only be ours through Spiritual power can only be ours through a relationship a relationship a relationship with Jesus Christ. We got to have that with Jesus Christ. We got to have that with Jesus Christ. We got to have that relationship with Christ. Amen. relationship with Christ. Amen. relationship with Christ. Amen. This means that just as we trust Jesus This means that just as we trust Jesus This means that just as we trust Jesus and his death and resurrection to save and his death and resurrection to save and his death and resurrection to save us, we must trust him to give us the us, we must trust him to give us the us, we must trust him to give us the spiritual power we so desperately need. spiritual power we so desperately need. spiritual power we so desperately need. If we can believe that Christ saved us If we can believe that Christ saved us If we can believe that Christ saved us from our sins and forgave our sins, why from our sins and forgave our sins, why from our sins and forgave our sins, why in the world can't we trust him when we in the world can't we trust him when we in the world can't we trust him when we have battles and trials to go through? have battles and trials to go through? have battles and trials to go through? When situations are turned upside down When situations are turned upside down When situations are turned upside down in our lives, why in the world can't we in our lives, why in the world can't we in our lives, why in the world can't we just trust him to get us through that just trust him to get us through that just trust him to get us through that time? If we can trust him to save us, we time? If we can trust him to save us, we time? If we can trust him to save us, we ought to trust him to deliver us from ought to trust him to deliver us from ought to trust him to deliver us from battles that we face in this life. battles that we face in this life. battles that we face in this life. Amen. So, just as we need his Amen. So, just as we need his Amen. So, just as we need his righteousness to enter into God's righteousness to enter into God's righteousness to enter into God's heaven, we need his power if we're going heaven, we need his power if we're going heaven, we need his power if we're going to stand against the attacks that we to stand against the attacks that we to stand against the attacks that we face in life. Just as we need his blood face in life. Just as we need his blood face in life. Just as we need his blood to take away our sins, we need his power to take away our sins, we need his power to take away our sins, we need his power to defeat Satan. to defeat Satan. to defeat Satan. We need him to give us the power that we We need him to give us the power that we We need him to give us the power that we need. need. need. Our strength comes from a provision. Our strength comes from a provision. Our strength comes from a provision. Paul said in the power of his might and Paul said in the power of his might and Paul said in the power of his might and that word power refers to dominion. It that word power refers to dominion. It that word power refers to dominion. It speaks of the power to complete and to speaks of the power to complete and to speaks of the power to complete and to perfect. perfect. perfect. That word might has the ideas of force That word might has the ideas of force That word might has the ideas of force and strength and it speaks of someone and strength and it speaks of someone and strength and it speaks of someone who possesses absolute ability. who possesses absolute ability. who possesses absolute ability. Those two words describe the kind of Those two words describe the kind of Those two words describe the kind of powers that you and I need if we're powers that you and I need if we're powers that you and I need if we're going to experience victory going to experience victory going to experience victory in the spiritual battles that we face. in the spiritual battles that we face. in the spiritual battles that we face. So, how do we get that power? That's a So, how do we get that power? That's a So, how do we get that power? That's a good question. That good question. That good question. That we get it the same way that we got our we get it the same way that we got our we get it the same way that we got our sins forgiven. sins forgiven. sins forgiven. A lot of people make serving God a lot A lot of people make serving God a lot A lot of people make serving God a lot of things about serving God hard, but of things about serving God hard, but of things about serving God hard, but I'm telling you, it ain't hard. I'm telling you, it ain't hard. I'm telling you, it ain't hard. We get tangled up in our own self We get tangled up in our own self We get tangled up in our own self sometimes. s we trip over our own feet sometimes. s we trip over our own feet sometimes. s we trip over our own feet sometimes trying to get through the sometimes trying to get through the sometimes trying to get through the battles that we face in life when all we battles that we face in life when all we battles that we face in life when all we have to do is just simply trust God and have to do is just simply trust God and have to do is just simply trust God and he'll make a way. He'll open the door. he'll make a way. He'll open the door. he'll make a way. He'll open the door. He'll get us through that that we're He'll get us through that that we're He'll get us through that that we're facing. facing. facing. So if I try to stand against Satan and So if I try to stand against Satan and So if I try to stand against Satan and his forces in my own power, guess what? his forces in my own power, guess what? his forces in my own power, guess what? I'll fail. I'll fail. I'll fail. I'll fail if I try to fight the devil on I'll fail if I try to fight the devil on I'll fail if I try to fight the devil on my own because I don't have the power to my own because I don't have the power to my own because I don't have the power to fight him. If I can ever learn to to fight him. If I can ever learn to to fight him. If I can ever learn to to lean on the Lord. Remember that song lean on the Lord. Remember that song lean on the Lord. Remember that song Sister Angel sung a couple weeks ago? Sister Angel sung a couple weeks ago? Sister Angel sung a couple weeks ago? Lean just lean on the Lord. Leaning on Lean just lean on the Lord. Leaning on Lean just lean on the Lord. Leaning on him. We got to learn to lean on the him. We got to learn to lean on the him. We got to learn to lean on the Lord. Got to learn to trust in the Lord. Lord. Got to learn to trust in the Lord. Lord. Got to learn to trust in the Lord. And we can fight our battles with his And we can fight our battles with his And we can fight our battles with his help. So if we can ever learn to lean on help. So if we can ever learn to lean on help. So if we can ever learn to lean on the Lord and confess our own weakness the Lord and confess our own weakness the Lord and confess our own weakness and place our faith in him alone, then and place our faith in him alone, then and place our faith in him alone, then we can become a candidate for victory. we can become a candidate for victory. we can become a candidate for victory. You can't face the devil by yourself. You can't face the devil by yourself. You can't face the devil by yourself. I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm telling you, one of the truths that Paul was trying one of the truths that Paul was trying one of the truths that Paul was trying to teach us is that when we're saved, we to teach us is that when we're saved, we to teach us is that when we're saved, we are made one with Jesus. are made one with Jesus. are made one with Jesus. When a man and a woman unite in When a man and a woman unite in When a man and a woman unite in marriage, they become one, don't they? marriage, they become one, don't they? marriage, they become one, don't they? The father and the son and holy ghost The father and the son and holy ghost The father and the son and holy ghost are three, but they are one. Amen. They are three, but they are one. Amen. They are three, but they are one. Amen. They agree on everything the same. Everything agree on everything the same. Everything agree on everything the same. Everything they do is the same. And that's the way they do is the same. And that's the way they do is the same. And that's the way you and I got to be with Christ. We are you and I got to be with Christ. We are you and I got to be with Christ. We are one in him. We are in him and he's in one in him. We are in him and he's in one in him. We are in him and he's in us. So we have the strength from him us. So we have the strength from him us. So we have the strength from him to fight whatever battle we have to to fight whatever battle we have to to fight whatever battle we have to fight in this life. To go through fight in this life. To go through fight in this life. To go through whatever trial we have to go through in whatever trial we have to go through in whatever trial we have to go through in this life. this life. this life. You see his life becomes our life. His You see his life becomes our life. His You see his life becomes our life. His truth becomes our truth. His way becomes truth becomes our truth. His way becomes truth becomes our truth. His way becomes our way. His power becomes our power. our way. His power becomes our power. our way. His power becomes our power. and his strength becomes our strength. and his strength becomes our strength. and his strength becomes our strength. He gives us everything we need to fight He gives us everything we need to fight He gives us everything we need to fight the battles that you and I face. the battles that you and I face. the battles that you and I face. So again, I ask the question, where do So again, I ask the question, where do So again, I ask the question, where do we get this power? It comes from simply we get this power? It comes from simply we get this power? It comes from simply being in Jesus. being in Jesus. being in Jesus. When you are in Jesus by faith, saved by When you are in Jesus by faith, saved by When you are in Jesus by faith, saved by his grace, you become a partaker of his his grace, you become a partaker of his his grace, you become a partaker of his power power power and his strength and his ability. and his strength and his ability. and his strength and his ability. So, I want you to think about that. So, I want you to think about that. So, I want you to think about that. Wherever you're at in Christ right now, Wherever you're at in Christ right now, Wherever you're at in Christ right now, just remember that Christ is in you. You just remember that Christ is in you. You just remember that Christ is in you. You are in him. You have his power. You have are in him. You have his power. You have are in him. You have his power. You have his strength. You have his ability his strength. You have his ability his strength. You have his ability inside of you. inside of you. inside of you. This verse reminds us that we are This verse reminds us that we are This verse reminds us that we are foolish when we trust in ourselves and foolish when we trust in ourselves and foolish when we trust in ourselves and in our own power. We are foolish when we in our own power. We are foolish when we in our own power. We are foolish when we think that we can fight the devil, his think that we can fight the devil, his think that we can fight the devil, his demons, the sin, the temptation that the demons, the sin, the temptation that the demons, the sin, the temptation that the and the world and the other enemies of and the world and the other enemies of and the world and the other enemies of life in our own strength. We're foolish life in our own strength. We're foolish life in our own strength. We're foolish if we can if we think we can do that. if we can if we think we can do that. if we can if we think we can do that. You can try it, but you'll never win. You can try it, but you'll never win. You can try it, but you'll never win. You'll be a loser. You'll be a failure. You'll be a loser. You'll be a failure. You'll be a loser. You'll be a failure. Your life will be miserable. Amen. Your life will be miserable. Amen. Your life will be miserable. Amen. You'll have no peace. no joy if you try You'll have no peace. no joy if you try You'll have no peace. no joy if you try to do it on your own. to do it on your own. to do it on your own. So we must realize that we are weak. We So we must realize that we are weak. We So we must realize that we are weak. We must realize that if we try to do it on must realize that if we try to do it on must realize that if we try to do it on our own that we will be defeated. And we our own that we will be defeated. And we our own that we will be defeated. And we must trust not ourselves but in Jesus must trust not ourselves but in Jesus must trust not ourselves but in Jesus Christ who has promised Christ who has promised Christ who has promised his power and his victory to his people. his power and his victory to his people. his power and his victory to his people. Proverbs chapter 3 and verse 5 and 6 Proverbs chapter 3 and verse 5 and 6 Proverbs chapter 3 and verse 5 and 6 says, "Trust in the Lord says, "Trust in the Lord says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, with all thine heart, with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own and lean not unto thine own and lean not unto thine own understanding. understanding. understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." If we can do shall direct thy paths." If we can do shall direct thy paths." If we can do that, we can be strong in the Lord. that, we can be strong in the Lord. that, we can be strong in the Lord. Amen. We don't have to be weak in the Amen. We don't have to be weak in the Amen. We don't have to be weak in the Lord. We can be strong in the Lord. We Lord. We can be strong in the Lord. We Lord. We can be strong in the Lord. We don't have to walk around defeated. We don't have to walk around defeated. We don't have to walk around defeated. We can be victors. We can be overcomers. can be victors. We can be overcomers. can be victors. We can be overcomers. Amen. Because Christ lives in us. Amen. Because Christ lives in us. Amen. Because Christ lives in us. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth things through Christ which strengthenth things through Christ which strengthenth me or strengthenth us." I can do all me or strengthenth us." I can do all me or strengthenth us." I can do all things, Paul said. 2 Corinthians 2:14, things, Paul said. 2 Corinthians 2:14, things, Paul said. 2 Corinthians 2:14, the Bible says, "Now thanks be unto God, the Bible says, "Now thanks be unto God, the Bible says, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in which always causes us to triumph in which always causes us to triumph in Christ." Christ." Christ." 1 Corinthians 15 and 57 says, "But 1 Corinthians 15 and 57 says, "But 1 Corinthians 15 and 57 says, "But thanks be to God which giveth us the thanks be to God which giveth us the thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." John 4:4 says, "Greater is he that is in John 4:4 says, "Greater is he that is in John 4:4 says, "Greater is he that is in you and he that is in the world." We got you and he that is in the world." We got you and he that is in the world." We got all these scriptures to encourage us and all these scriptures to encourage us and all these scriptures to encourage us and to help us to understand that we don't to help us to understand that we don't to help us to understand that we don't have to fight our battles by oursel. have to fight our battles by oursel. have to fight our battles by oursel. We have a fighter for us. We have a fighter for us. We have a fighter for us. We have an army on our side that can We have an army on our side that can We have an army on our side that can defeat any defeat anything that you and defeat any defeat anything that you and defeat any defeat anything that you and I face as Christians in this life. God I face as Christians in this life. God I face as Christians in this life. God is greater than any force the devil can is greater than any force the devil can is greater than any force the devil can bring against us. Amen. bring against us. Amen. bring against us. Amen. So let's talk about the source of our of So let's talk about the source of our of So let's talk about the source of our of our stability. You got to be stable in our stability. You got to be stable in our stability. You got to be stable in Christ. You got to be settled in Christ. Christ. You got to be settled in Christ. Christ. You got to be settled in Christ. This verse teaches us that teaches us This verse teaches us that teaches us This verse teaches us that teaches us the glorious truth that is that is the glorious truth that is that is the glorious truth that is that is possible for us to stand against the possible for us to stand against the possible for us to stand against the enemies enemies enemies who stand against God and against us. who stand against God and against us. who stand against God and against us. You have to understand the devil's You have to understand the devil's You have to understand the devil's against us. against us. against us. Amen. He's against God. He hates God. He Amen. He's against God. He hates God. He Amen. He's against God. He hates God. He hates us. He's not going to be our hates us. He's not going to be our hates us. He's not going to be our friend. He's not going to be our uh our friend. He's not going to be our uh our friend. He's not going to be our uh our buddy. He's our enemy. He's our buddy. He's our enemy. He's our buddy. He's our enemy. He's our adversary. And that's all he'll ever be. adversary. And that's all he'll ever be. adversary. And that's all he'll ever be. He's out to defeat us. He's already been He's out to defeat us. He's already been He's out to defeat us. He's already been defeated and he knows that. He defeated and he knows that. He defeated and he knows that. He understands that. But he's not going to understands that. But he's not going to understands that. But he's not going to give up. He's going to still fight. give up. He's going to still fight. give up. He's going to still fight. I mean, it's just like some of the I mean, it's just like some of the I mean, it's just like some of the nations in this world, you know, nations in this world, you know, nations in this world, you know, they're they're threatening to come they're they're threatening to come they're they're threatening to come against the United States. I don't against the United States. I don't against the United States. I don't really think there's there's a nation in really think there's there's a nation in really think there's there's a nation in this world that can defeat us in war. I this world that can defeat us in war. I this world that can defeat us in war. I mean, the war, we have never lost the mean, the war, we have never lost the mean, the war, we have never lost the battle in the as the United States. battle in the as the United States. battle in the as the United States. Amen. But we got a lot of enemies that Amen. But we got a lot of enemies that Amen. But we got a lot of enemies that is threatening us. They want us to back is threatening us. They want us to back is threatening us. They want us to back down from and yield to them. And that's down from and yield to them. And that's down from and yield to them. And that's the way the devil is. He just simply the way the devil is. He just simply the way the devil is. He just simply wants you to back down from what you wants you to back down from what you wants you to back down from what you believe and what you stand for. Amen. believe and what you stand for. Amen. believe and what you stand for. Amen. And what you hope for. He wants you to And what you hope for. He wants you to And what you hope for. He wants you to bow to him and surrender to him. But we bow to him and surrender to him. But we bow to him and surrender to him. But we can't do that as Christians. We've got can't do that as Christians. We've got can't do that as Christians. We've got to stand our ground. Amen. We got to be to stand our ground. Amen. We got to be to stand our ground. Amen. We got to be overcomers because the Bible tells us overcomers because the Bible tells us overcomers because the Bible tells us that we're more than conquerors. We're that we're more than conquerors. We're that we're more than conquerors. We're overcomers through Christ. So, we don't overcomers through Christ. So, we don't overcomers through Christ. So, we don't have to bow down to the devil and in the have to bow down to the devil and in the have to bow down to the devil and in the ways of the world, but we can stand for ways of the world, but we can stand for ways of the world, but we can stand for Christ. Yeah, we'll be hated. We'll be Christ. Yeah, we'll be hated. We'll be Christ. Yeah, we'll be hated. We'll be despised. That's the way it's supposed despised. That's the way it's supposed despised. That's the way it's supposed to be. Was not Jesus hated? Was not to be. Was not Jesus hated? Was not to be. Was not Jesus hated? Was not Jesus despised? Did he not be Jesus despised? Did he not be Jesus despised? Did he not be criticized? criticized? criticized? Was he not persecuted? Then we shouldn't Was he not persecuted? Then we shouldn't Was he not persecuted? Then we shouldn't expect anything different as Christians expect anything different as Christians expect anything different as Christians in this life. Amen. He he surfed all in this life. Amen. He he surfed all in this life. Amen. He he surfed all those things and overcome all those those things and overcome all those those things and overcome all those things so that you and I could overcome things so that you and I could overcome things so that you and I could overcome the same things. He's already been the same things. He's already been the same things. He's already been there. He's been there. He knows that. there. He's been there. He knows that. there. He's been there. He knows that. Now, according to the Bible, the devil Now, according to the Bible, the devil Now, according to the Bible, the devil is the source of evil. Sin first bought is the source of evil. Sin first bought is the source of evil. Sin first bought its fangs in the heart of of the its fangs in the heart of of the its fangs in the heart of of the creature known as Lucifer. He determined that he would be God and He determined that he would be God and that he would exalt himself above the that he would exalt himself above the that he would exalt himself above the throne of the one and true God. He tried throne of the one and true God. He tried throne of the one and true God. He tried his best to overcome God in heaven. his best to overcome God in heaven. his best to overcome God in heaven. He's going to lift himself up above God. He's going to lift himself up above God. He's going to lift himself up above God. But what happened? But what happened? But what happened? God kicked him out. God cast him down. God kicked him out. God cast him down. God kicked him out. God cast him down. Amen. Amen. Amen. But he's not giving up. He's still But he's not giving up. He's still But he's not giving up. He's still trying to overthrow God. And he will try trying to overthrow God. And he will try trying to overthrow God. And he will try until he's thrown into the lake of fire. until he's thrown into the lake of fire. until he's thrown into the lake of fire. He'll never stop. He'll never stop He'll never stop. He'll never stop He'll never stop. He'll never stop fighting you and fighting me. He'll fighting you and fighting me. He'll fighting you and fighting me. He'll never stop trying us and testing us. never stop trying us and testing us. never stop trying us and testing us. He's not going to give up. He's He's He's not going to give up. He's He's He's not going to give up. He's He's forever tempting and trying. He's forever tempting and trying. He's forever tempting and trying. He's forever aggravating us every day of our forever aggravating us every day of our forever aggravating us every day of our lives. So, we got to take a stand, lives. So, we got to take a stand, lives. So, we got to take a stand, especially in these last days that we're especially in these last days that we're especially in these last days that we're facing in this world today. facing in this world today. facing in this world today. We've got to take a stand. So, the devil is our enemy. He is He is So, the devil is our enemy. He is He is ancient. He is powerful. ancient. He is powerful. ancient. He is powerful. He is deceptive. He is deceptive. He is deceptive. He's experienced. He has been attacking and deceiving and He has been attacking and deceiving and defeating the people of God since he defeating the people of God since he defeating the people of God since he tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. He tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. He tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. He tempted Adam and Eve in the garden. Hath not God said to the woman Hath not God said to the woman Hath not God said to the woman that you can't eat the fruit of that that you can't eat the fruit of that that you can't eat the fruit of that tree? She said, "Yes, God said that if tree? She said, "Yes, God said that if tree? She said, "Yes, God said that if we touch that fruit that we would die." we touch that fruit that we would die." we touch that fruit that we would die." And what did Satan say? You're not going And what did Satan say? You're not going And what did Satan say? You're not going to surely die. to surely die. to surely die. You ain't going to die. He was pretty You ain't going to die. He was pretty You ain't going to die. He was pretty much calling God a liar. You're not much calling God a liar. You're not much calling God a liar. You're not going to die. But Eve didn't understand the spiritual But Eve didn't understand the spiritual side of things. When she ate that fruit, side of things. When she ate that fruit, side of things. When she ate that fruit, when she took of that fruit, when she took of that fruit, when she took of that fruit, spiritually, she did die because spiritually, she did die because spiritually, she did die because spiritually she was separated from God spiritually she was separated from God spiritually she was separated from God that day in the garden. And so it so that day in the garden. And so it so that day in the garden. And so it so here we are tonight because of that one here we are tonight because of that one here we are tonight because of that one sin. Here we are tonight fighting that sin. Here we are tonight fighting that sin. Here we are tonight fighting that same devil. He's telling the same lies. same devil. He's telling the same lies. same devil. He's telling the same lies. He's deceiving a lot of people. He's He's deceiving a lot of people. He's He's deceiving a lot of people. He's overcoming a lot of churches. Amen. And overcoming a lot of churches. Amen. And overcoming a lot of churches. Amen. And and he's causing a lot of hearts and he's causing a lot of hearts and he's causing a lot of hearts heartaches and a lot of trouble in heartaches and a lot of trouble in heartaches and a lot of trouble in people's lives because they believe his people's lives because they believe his people's lives because they believe his lies. He's cunning. lies. He's cunning. lies. He's cunning. He don't come to you as the devil. He He don't come to you as the devil. He He don't come to you as the devil. He don't come to you as a as we seen on the don't come to you as a as we seen on the don't come to you as a as we seen on the used to be on the can of a red devil lie used to be on the can of a red devil lie used to be on the can of a red devil lie if you remember that he was a red devil if you remember that he was a red devil if you remember that he was a red devil with horns and a pitchfork and a pointy with horns and a pitchfork and a pointy with horns and a pitchfork and a pointy tail. That's not how he comes to you. He tail. That's not how he comes to you. He tail. That's not how he comes to you. He comes to you in in a in a in a in a a a comes to you in in a in a in a in a a a comes to you in in a in a in a in a a a beautiful light, something beautiful, beautiful light, something beautiful, beautiful light, something beautiful, something that that you will adore, something that that you will adore, something that that you will adore, something that you would like. That's something that you would like. That's something that you would like. That's how he deceives you. how he deceives you. how he deceives you. Amen. And that's how it deceives some Amen. And that's how it deceives some Amen. And that's how it deceives some the churches a lot of times. He doesn't the churches a lot of times. He doesn't the churches a lot of times. He doesn't appear to be an evil thing, but he he appear to be an evil thing, but he he appear to be an evil thing, but he he appears to be a good thing and people appears to be a good thing and people appears to be a good thing and people fall for it. So he he's been that way for over 6,000 So he he's been that way for over 6,000 years and he knows what he's doing. years and he knows what he's doing. years and he knows what he's doing. And I'm not not giving him any glory And I'm not not giving him any glory And I'm not not giving him any glory tonight. I'm just simply telling you the tonight. I'm just simply telling you the tonight. I'm just simply telling you the truth that he's out there to defeat us. truth that he's out there to defeat us. truth that he's out there to defeat us. Paul says that God will give us power to Paul says that God will give us power to Paul says that God will give us power to cause us to stand against the ws of the cause us to stand against the ws of the cause us to stand against the ws of the devil. The word ws speaks of scheming devil. The word ws speaks of scheming devil. The word ws speaks of scheming tricks. It's the word that gives us the tricks. It's the word that gives us the tricks. It's the word that gives us the word methods. Satan uses methods. He word methods. Satan uses methods. He word methods. Satan uses methods. He uses tricks and he uses schemes uses tricks and he uses schemes uses tricks and he uses schemes to deceive the people of God. Kind of to deceive the people of God. Kind of to deceive the people of God. Kind of reminds me of the White House. Sad to reminds me of the White House. Sad to reminds me of the White House. Sad to say, they use schemes say, they use schemes say, they use schemes to deceive us. to deceive us. to deceive us. They use COVID 19 to deceive us. Shut things down. Shut things down. Couldn't even go see your mama in the Couldn't even go see your mama in the Couldn't even go see your mama in the rest home. Made us wear a mask. Made us wear a mask. Close the schools. There's always a Close the schools. There's always a Close the schools. There's always a deception. deception. deception. And the people fell for it, did we not? That's just how the devil works. That's just how the devil works. It was all planned out. And what the It was all planned out. And what the It was all planned out. And what the devil's doing tonight, he's got it all devil's doing tonight, he's got it all devil's doing tonight, he's got it all planned out to deceive us. He thinks planned out to deceive us. He thinks planned out to deceive us. He thinks he's going to win in the end, but we he's going to win in the end, but we he's going to win in the end, but we know that he's not. know that he's not. know that he's not. I read the end of the book. The book I read the end of the book. The book I read the end of the book. The book says we win. Paul says that God will give us power to Paul says that God will give us power to cause us to stand against the ws of the cause us to stand against the ws of the cause us to stand against the ws of the devil. It is that ws is the word that gives us It is that ws is the word that gives us the word methods. And Satan uses the word methods. And Satan uses the word methods. And Satan uses methods, tricks, and schemes to deceive methods, tricks, and schemes to deceive methods, tricks, and schemes to deceive the people of God. And the word was used the people of God. And the word was used the people of God. And the word was used to to speak of a wild animal that to to speak of a wild animal that to to speak of a wild animal that silently and cunningly stalks its prey silently and cunningly stalks its prey silently and cunningly stalks its prey and then suddenly pounces on that prey. and then suddenly pounces on that prey. and then suddenly pounces on that prey. I'm sure you've seen on TV or seen on on I'm sure you've seen on TV or seen on on I'm sure you've seen on TV or seen on on somewhere internet where a lion is. He's somewhere internet where a lion is. He's somewhere internet where a lion is. He's laying in wait. He's watching a herd of laying in wait. He's watching a herd of laying in wait. He's watching a herd of antelopes or whatever. He's watching. antelopes or whatever. He's watching. antelopes or whatever. He's watching. He's laying down. He's not seen. He's He's laying down. He's not seen. He's He's laying down. He's not seen. He's laying down and waiting waiting and laying down and waiting waiting and laying down and waiting waiting and watching for that one that's weak and watching for that one that's weak and watching for that one that's weak and feeble. feeble. feeble. And when that one gets by itself, he he And when that one gets by itself, he he And when that one gets by itself, he he he's he he pounces on that one. he's he he pounces on that one. he's he he pounces on that one. And that's the way the devil is doing And that's the way the devil is doing And that's the way the devil is doing the church. He's looking for that weak the church. He's looking for that weak the church. He's looking for that weak church. Amen. He's looking for that weak church. Amen. He's looking for that weak church. Amen. He's looking for that weak congregation. congregation. congregation. He's stalking them. He's looking at He's stalking them. He's looking at He's stalking them. He's looking at them. He's he's he's he's watching them. He's he's he's he's watching them. He's he's he's he's watching everything they do. And when the time everything they do. And when the time everything they do. And when the time comes, he's going to pounce on that comes, he's going to pounce on that comes, he's going to pounce on that congregation. congregation. congregation. Amen. And he's going to deceive that Amen. And he's going to deceive that Amen. And he's going to deceive that congregation. He's done it many, many congregation. He's done it many, many congregation. He's done it many, many times. They're still doing it today. times. They're still doing it today. times. They're still doing it today. People are being deceived thinking People are being deceived thinking People are being deceived thinking they're going to God's heaven, but they're going to God's heaven, but they're going to God's heaven, but they're not. they're not. they're not. So, how are we equipped? Well, Paul says So, how are we equipped? Well, Paul says So, how are we equipped? Well, Paul says to put on the whole armor of God. to put on the whole armor of God. to put on the whole armor of God. Oh, I never been in the military. Oh, I never been in the military. Oh, I never been in the military. Uh, but I know that in the military, you Uh, but I know that in the military, you Uh, but I know that in the military, you have suits that you have to wear. You have suits that you have to wear. You have suits that you have to wear. You have uniforms that you have to wear to have uniforms that you have to wear to have uniforms that you have to wear to be a soldier. be a soldier. be a soldier. And I'm pretty sure a soldier can't go And I'm pretty sure a soldier can't go And I'm pretty sure a soldier can't go around half-dressed. around half-dressed. around half-dressed. He's got to be dressed. He's got to look He's got to be dressed. He's got to look He's got to be dressed. He's got to look like a soldier. Amen. And when he goes like a soldier. Amen. And when he goes like a soldier. Amen. And when he goes to the battlefield, he's got to have all to the battlefield, he's got to have all to the battlefield, he's got to have all the things, the necessary things that the things, the necessary things that the things, the necessary things that he's going to need to be on the he's going to need to be on the he's going to need to be on the battlefield. You can't go to a battlefield. You can't go to a battlefield. You can't go to a battlefield unprepared. battlefield unprepared. battlefield unprepared. And folks, we can't fight the devil And folks, we can't fight the devil And folks, we can't fight the devil unprepared. unprepared. unprepared. We've got to prepare ourself. We got to We've got to prepare ourself. We got to We've got to prepare ourself. We got to put on this armor of God that Paul talks put on this armor of God that Paul talks put on this armor of God that Paul talks about uh here in the Bible. It's not a about uh here in the Bible. It's not a about uh here in the Bible. It's not a physical thing that I'm talking about. physical thing that I'm talking about. physical thing that I'm talking about. It's a spiritual thing. A spiritual It's a spiritual thing. A spiritual It's a spiritual thing. A spiritual armor. We got to put it on and be able armor. We got to put it on and be able armor. We got to put it on and be able to fight against the ws of the devil. to fight against the ws of the devil. to fight against the ws of the devil. So God has equipped us for the spiritual So God has equipped us for the spiritual So God has equipped us for the spiritual battles that we face. And the armor is battles that we face. And the armor is battles that we face. And the armor is listed in verses 14- 17 there in the listed in verses 14- 17 there in the listed in verses 14- 17 there in the book of Ephesians. Every piece of the book of Ephesians. Every piece of the book of Ephesians. Every piece of the armor of God is is designed to protect armor of God is is designed to protect armor of God is is designed to protect the people of God from the attacks of the people of God from the attacks of the people of God from the attacks of the enemy. There's a purpose for every the enemy. There's a purpose for every the enemy. There's a purpose for every piece of that armor. Amen. When a piece of that armor. Amen. When a piece of that armor. Amen. When a soldier goes out to battle and he puts soldier goes out to battle and he puts soldier goes out to battle and he puts on his uniform, he goes out prepared and on his uniform, he goes out prepared and on his uniform, he goes out prepared and everything that he's got on, his helmet, everything that he's got on, his helmet, everything that he's got on, his helmet, his his vest, his weapon, all the things his his vest, his weapon, all the things his his vest, his weapon, all the things that he needs, he has on his personal that he needs, he has on his personal that he needs, he has on his personal body to defend himself against the body to defend himself against the body to defend himself against the enemy. And that's the way you and I got enemy. And that's the way you and I got enemy. And that's the way you and I got to be as Christians. We got to have to be as Christians. We got to have to be as Christians. We got to have every piece of that armor on when we go every piece of that armor on when we go every piece of that armor on when we go out in these battles and trials that we out in these battles and trials that we out in these battles and trials that we fight to face the devil. Because if you fight to face the devil. Because if you fight to face the devil. Because if you don't go prepared, the devil's going to don't go prepared, the devil's going to don't go prepared, the devil's going to win the battle. He's going to win the win the battle. He's going to win the win the battle. He's going to win the battle. That word armor refers to the battle. That word armor refers to the battle. That word armor refers to the the equipment that God has provided for the equipment that God has provided for the equipment that God has provided for us to wear in the day of battles. us to wear in the day of battles. us to wear in the day of battles. There's truth There's truth There's truth to wear as a belt. to wear as a belt. to wear as a belt. There's righteousness to protect the There's righteousness to protect the There's righteousness to protect the heart. heart. heart. There's shoes to protect the feet. There's shoes to protect the feet. There's shoes to protect the feet. There's a shield to defect or deflect There's a shield to defect or deflect There's a shield to defect or deflect the the arrows of the enemy. the the arrows of the enemy. the the arrows of the enemy. And there's a helmet to protect the And there's a helmet to protect the And there's a helmet to protect the head. And lastly, there's a sword head. And lastly, there's a sword head. And lastly, there's a sword to use to engage the enemy. And we all to use to engage the enemy. And we all to use to engage the enemy. And we all know what that sword is, don't we? The know what that sword is, don't we? The know what that sword is, don't we? The word. word. word. When Jesus was on the mountain after he When Jesus was on the mountain after he When Jesus was on the mountain after he had received the Holy Ghost and and was had received the Holy Ghost and and was had received the Holy Ghost and and was led out into the wilderness and he led out into the wilderness and he led out into the wilderness and he fasted for 40 days. At the end of the 40 fasted for 40 days. At the end of the 40 fasted for 40 days. At the end of the 40 days, here comes the devil days, here comes the devil days, here comes the devil thinking that Jesus was hungry. If you thinking that Jesus was hungry. If you thinking that Jesus was hungry. If you be the son of God, turn these stones to be the son of God, turn these stones to be the son of God, turn these stones to bread. bread. bread. He could have turned the whole mountain He could have turned the whole mountain He could have turned the whole mountain to bread if he wanted to. to bread if he wanted to. to bread if he wanted to. But he wasn't going to bow to the devil. But he wasn't going to bow to the devil. But he wasn't going to bow to the devil. And that's the way you and I have got to And that's the way you and I have got to And that's the way you and I have got to be. I guarantee you if if we if we go on be. I guarantee you if if we if we go on be. I guarantee you if if we if we go on a fast for two or three days, at the end a fast for two or three days, at the end a fast for two or three days, at the end of that fast, here comes the devil. of that fast, here comes the devil. of that fast, here comes the devil. He's going to try his best to cause us He's going to try his best to cause us He's going to try his best to cause us to feel discouraged and cause us to feel to feel discouraged and cause us to feel to feel discouraged and cause us to feel like we didn't do what we should have like we didn't do what we should have like we didn't do what we should have done. Amen. He's going to try to make done. Amen. He's going to try to make done. Amen. He's going to try to make you feel ashamed of what you just done. you feel ashamed of what you just done. you feel ashamed of what you just done. But don't let that happen. You got to But don't let that happen. You got to But don't let that happen. You got to take a stand. That's why the armory is take a stand. That's why the armory is take a stand. That's why the armory is important. That phrase put on is a tense that That phrase put on is a tense that suggests that when we put on the whole suggests that when we put on the whole suggests that when we put on the whole arm of God, we put it on once and for arm of God, we put it on once and for arm of God, we put it on once and for all. It's not something you put on today all. It's not something you put on today all. It's not something you put on today and you take off tomorrow. and you take off tomorrow. and you take off tomorrow. Amen. When you put it on, leave it on Amen. When you put it on, leave it on Amen. When you put it on, leave it on cuz you going to have battles every day. cuz you going to have battles every day. cuz you going to have battles every day. There ain't going to be no resting time. There ain't going to be no resting time. There ain't going to be no resting time. Ain't going to be no vacation time. Ain't going to be no vacation time. Ain't going to be no vacation time. Amen. The devil's not going to stop and Amen. The devil's not going to stop and Amen. The devil's not going to stop and give you a little rest or a little give you a little rest or a little give you a little rest or a little break. So, you got to keep that armor on break. So, you got to keep that armor on break. So, you got to keep that armor on all the time. Amen. all the time. Amen. all the time. Amen. Cuz I promise you, if if he hadn't Cuz I promise you, if if he hadn't Cuz I promise you, if if he hadn't bothered you today, he's going to bother bothered you today, he's going to bother bothered you today, he's going to bother you tomorrow. you tomorrow. you tomorrow. He's already planning his sister of He's already planning his sister of He's already planning his sister of faith what he's going to do to you faith what he's going to do to you faith what he's going to do to you tomorrow. He's going to aggravate you tomorrow. He's going to aggravate you tomorrow. He's going to aggravate you tomorrow. So just prepare yourself. Amen. And if it don't bother you Amen. And if it don't bother you tomorrow, then there might be something tomorrow, then there might be something tomorrow, then there might be something wrong. wrong. wrong. If it hadn't bothered you today, there If it hadn't bothered you today, there If it hadn't bothered you today, there could be something wrong. You could not could be something wrong. You could not could be something wrong. You could not have that armor on like you should have. have that armor on like you should have. have that armor on like you should have. You could be walking around defense You could be walking around defense You could be walking around defense defenseless. defenseless. defenseless. You know, that armor is kind of like a You know, that armor is kind of like a You know, that armor is kind of like a uh it's kind of like a hedge around us. uh it's kind of like a hedge around us. uh it's kind of like a hedge around us. The Bible says that God had a hedge The Bible says that God had a hedge The Bible says that God had a hedge around Job. And the devil couldn't get around Job. And the devil couldn't get around Job. And the devil couldn't get to Job because of the hedge. But when to Job because of the hedge. But when to Job because of the hedge. But when God took the hedge down, here comes the God took the hedge down, here comes the God took the hedge down, here comes the devil. Took all that he had. The devil devil. Took all that he had. The devil devil. Took all that he had. The devil wasn't satisfied with that because Job wasn't satisfied with that because Job wasn't satisfied with that because Job still didn't bow to him. So, he went still didn't bow to him. So, he went still didn't bow to him. So, he went back to God and got another opportunity back to God and got another opportunity back to God and got another opportunity to go back and afflict Job with boils. to go back and afflict Job with boils. to go back and afflict Job with boils. But still, Job didn't bow. But still, Job didn't bow. But still, Job didn't bow. even though the hedge had been torn even though the hedge had been torn even though the hedge had been torn down. So that armor tonight is like a down. So that armor tonight is like a down. So that armor tonight is like a hedge. And if you ain't got every piece hedge. And if you ain't got every piece hedge. And if you ain't got every piece on it, that means there's a hole in your on it, that means there's a hole in your on it, that means there's a hole in your hedge. hedge. hedge. And if that devil sees that hole in your And if that devil sees that hole in your And if that devil sees that hole in your hedge, guess what he's going to do? hedge, guess what he's going to do? hedge, guess what he's going to do? That's where he's going to hit you at That's where he's going to hit you at That's where he's going to hit you at defenseless. You have you don't have on defenseless. You have you don't have on defenseless. You have you don't have on their whole armor. You're not fully their whole armor. You're not fully their whole armor. You're not fully protected. And he's going to hit you in protected. And he's going to hit you in protected. And he's going to hit you in that place where you're not protected. that place where you're not protected. that place where you're not protected. Amen. Amen. Amen. So once you put it on folks, you got to So once you put it on folks, you got to So once you put it on folks, you got to leave it on. Don't undress yourself when leave it on. Don't undress yourself when leave it on. Don't undress yourself when it's spiritual armor. Keep it on cuz you it's spiritual armor. Keep it on cuz you it's spiritual armor. Keep it on cuz you got to fight that devil every day. So God has equipped us for the battles. So God has equipped us for the battles. He's given us everything that we need to He's given us everything that we need to He's given us everything that we need to stand. And still it is up to us to wear stand. And still it is up to us to wear stand. And still it is up to us to wear the armor that he has given us. the armor that he has given us. the armor that he has given us. It is up to us. We have a choice. We can It is up to us. We have a choice. We can It is up to us. We have a choice. We can put it on or we can leave it alone. put it on or we can leave it alone. put it on or we can leave it alone. Amen. So, how are we enabled? So, how are we enabled? Paul said that you may be able Paul said that you may be able Paul said that you may be able to stand. Without it, you're not able to to stand. Without it, you're not able to to stand. Without it, you're not able to stand. Without it, you're defeated. stand. Without it, you're defeated. stand. Without it, you're defeated. through the Lord and what he provides us through the Lord and what he provides us through the Lord and what he provides us makes us able to stand. makes us able to stand. makes us able to stand. And the word able has the idea of power And the word able has the idea of power And the word able has the idea of power and permission and ability. We are able and permission and ability. We are able and permission and ability. We are able to stand not through our own power but to stand not through our own power but to stand not through our own power but through the work of God in our lives. through the work of God in our lives. through the work of God in our lives. His power gives us the ability to stand. His power gives us the ability to stand. His power gives us the ability to stand. And that word stand is a military term. And that word stand is a military term. And that word stand is a military term. It means to hold a critical position It means to hold a critical position It means to hold a critical position during a time of enemy attack. during a time of enemy attack. during a time of enemy attack. I I I I I heard the story. I even saw I I I I I heard the story. I even saw I I I I I heard the story. I even saw the movie about uh the movie about uh the movie about uh Hamburger Hill Hamburger Hill Hamburger Hill and I I can't explain the whole story to and I I can't explain the whole story to and I I can't explain the whole story to you, but but the army the armor armed you, but but the army the armor armed you, but but the army the armor armed forces was there on that hamburger hill forces was there on that hamburger hill forces was there on that hamburger hill fighting the enemy and they wouldn't fighting the enemy and they wouldn't fighting the enemy and they wouldn't give up that fight. A lot of them lost give up that fight. A lot of them lost give up that fight. A lot of them lost their lives their lives their lives and I'm sure there's a lot of battles and I'm sure there's a lot of battles and I'm sure there's a lot of battles that we have fought in years past that we have fought in years past that we have fought in years past but we overcome a certain place and the but we overcome a certain place and the but we overcome a certain place and the enemy was trying to take that place from enemy was trying to take that place from enemy was trying to take that place from us but we stood our ground. That's why us but we stood our ground. That's why us but we stood our ground. That's why the United States is what she is today the United States is what she is today the United States is what she is today because we have stood our ground over because we have stood our ground over because we have stood our ground over the years. And folks, it's time for the the years. And folks, it's time for the the years. And folks, it's time for the church to be the church and stand our church to be the church and stand our church to be the church and stand our ground. And because the devil's fighting ground. And because the devil's fighting ground. And because the devil's fighting against us, he's trying to push us back. against us, he's trying to push us back. against us, he's trying to push us back. He's trying to overthrow us. He's trying He's trying to overthrow us. He's trying He's trying to overthrow us. He's trying to overcome us. And it's time for the to overcome us. And it's time for the to overcome us. And it's time for the church to take a stand against the devil church to take a stand against the devil church to take a stand against the devil and let him know where we stand and and let him know where we stand and and let him know where we stand and while we stand, where we stand. Amen. while we stand, where we stand. Amen. while we stand, where we stand. Amen. Because if we just sit back and do Because if we just sit back and do Because if we just sit back and do nothing, he going to overrun us. He will nothing, he going to overrun us. He will nothing, he going to overrun us. He will overtake us. Now for us, this phrase suggests that Now for us, this phrase suggests that our enemy, the devil, desires to take our enemy, the devil, desires to take our enemy, the devil, desires to take what we have been given. I want you to what we have been given. I want you to what we have been given. I want you to think about what God has given you in think about what God has given you in think about what God has given you in your in your uh time that you've been your in your uh time that you've been your in your uh time that you've been serving God. Think about all the things serving God. Think about all the things serving God. Think about all the things that God has given you as a Christian. that God has given you as a Christian. that God has given you as a Christian. The devil wants to take our truths. The devil wants to take our truths. The devil wants to take our truths. He wants to take our doctrines. He wants to take our doctrines. He wants to take our doctrines. He wants to take our testimonies. He wants to take our testimonies. He wants to take our testimonies. He wants to take our churches. He wants to take our churches. He wants to take our churches. He wants to take our families. And he's He wants to take our families. And he's He wants to take our families. And he's really fighting against families. really fighting against families. really fighting against families. He wants to take our marriages, He wants to take our marriages, He wants to take our marriages, our children. He wants to take our our children. He wants to take our our children. He wants to take our spiritual power. He wants everything God spiritual power. He wants everything God spiritual power. He wants everything God has given us. He wants to strip you of has given us. He wants to strip you of has given us. He wants to strip you of everything that you have in God everything that you have in God everything that you have in God and leave you spiritually naked without and leave you spiritually naked without and leave you spiritually naked without nothing. That's what the devil wants to nothing. That's what the devil wants to nothing. That's what the devil wants to do. do. do. But I'm telling you that God is able But I'm telling you that God is able But I'm telling you that God is able through his power to enable us to take through his power to enable us to take through his power to enable us to take our stand against the attacks of Satan. our stand against the attacks of Satan. our stand against the attacks of Satan. He can enable us to stand and pro and He can enable us to stand and pro and He can enable us to stand and pro and protect everything protect everything protect everything everything that we have. everything that we have. everything that we have. When Satan attacks, we are made able to When Satan attacks, we are made able to When Satan attacks, we are made able to stand. stand. stand. What we don't have, What we don't have, What we don't have, what we do not have to give to give him what we do not have to give to give him what we do not have to give to give him ground in our lives. But we do not have ground in our lives. But we do not have ground in our lives. But we do not have to be defeated and we do not have to to be defeated and we do not have to to be defeated and we do not have to lose the battles of life. We don't have lose the battles of life. We don't have lose the battles of life. We don't have to be defeated and we don't have to lose to be defeated and we don't have to lose to be defeated and we don't have to lose the battles the battles the battles because God is making us able to stand. Let us matter of of standing is Let us matter of of standing is illustrated by the Lord Jesus when he illustrated by the Lord Jesus when he illustrated by the Lord Jesus when he was as I I've already told you about was as I I've already told you about was as I I've already told you about when he was tempted in in Matthew when he was tempted in in Matthew when he was tempted in in Matthew chapter 4 in the wilderness. chapter 4 in the wilderness. chapter 4 in the wilderness. And let's look at that word wrestle. And let's look at that word wrestle. And let's look at that word wrestle. Anybody ever wrestle when you was a kid? Especially boys. Especially boys. Love to wrestle in the house. Love to wrestle in the house. Love to wrestle in the house. I wrestle in the yard. Uh when I was I wrestle in the yard. Uh when I was I wrestle in the yard. Uh when I was when I was coming up, I had a lot of uh when I was coming up, I had a lot of uh when I was coming up, I had a lot of uh cousins that lived down the road from cousins that lived down the road from cousins that lived down the road from me. Uh and they'd always want to wrestle me. Uh and they'd always want to wrestle me. Uh and they'd always want to wrestle with me. They could never throw me down. with me. They could never throw me down. with me. They could never throw me down. They wrestled me years year after year They wrestled me years year after year They wrestled me years year after year after year. They could never throw me after year. They could never throw me after year. They could never throw me down. Sometimes it was four or five of down. Sometimes it was four or five of down. Sometimes it was four or five of them hanging on me, but they could never them hanging on me, but they could never them hanging on me, but they could never throw me down. throw me down. throw me down. I was 40 years old. My baby brother had I was 40 years old. My baby brother had I was 40 years old. My baby brother had come home from from college. come home from from college. come home from from college. He wanted to wrestle. He wanted to wrestle. He wanted to wrestle. was telling me that he, you know, what was telling me that he, you know, what was telling me that he, you know, what he could do to me. I said, 'Well, come he could do to me. I said, 'Well, come he could do to me. I said, 'Well, come on. So, we got out there in the yard in on. So, we got out there in the yard in on. So, we got out there in the yard in front of daddy's house, begin to wrestle front of daddy's house, begin to wrestle front of daddy's house, begin to wrestle and I th that jerk down and pinned him and I th that jerk down and pinned him and I th that jerk down and pinned him on the ground and he couldn't get up. on the ground and he couldn't get up. on the ground and he couldn't get up. He ain't never wrestled me since. I took a stand. I took a stand. And that's what you got to do as a And that's what you got to do as a And that's what you got to do as a Christian. Christian. Christian. The devil wants to wrestle with you. He The devil wants to wrestle with you. He The devil wants to wrestle with you. He wants you to think that he can defeat wants you to think that he can defeat wants you to think that he can defeat you. But you got to let them know you you. But you got to let them know you you. But you got to let them know you can't. If you want to wrestle, come on. can't. If you want to wrestle, come on. can't. If you want to wrestle, come on. Bring it on. You know, do whatever you Bring it on. You know, do whatever you Bring it on. You know, do whatever you got to do cuz I'm going to take my got to do cuz I'm going to take my got to do cuz I'm going to take my stand. You're not You may knock me down, stand. You're not You may knock me down, stand. You're not You may knock me down, but you're not going to knock me out. but you're not going to knock me out. but you're not going to knock me out. I'll get back up. Amen. You You ever I'll get back up. Amen. You You ever I'll get back up. Amen. You You ever seen that little toy in the store? It's seen that little toy in the store? It's seen that little toy in the store? It's like a balloon thing that's got a you like a balloon thing that's got a you like a balloon thing that's got a you it's made like a figure and you punch it it's made like a figure and you punch it it's made like a figure and you punch it and it falls down and it comes right and it falls down and it comes right and it falls down and it comes right back up. That's the way we got to do as back up. That's the way we got to do as back up. That's the way we got to do as Christians. Christians. Christians. He might knock me down, but I'mma bounce He might knock me down, but I'mma bounce He might knock me down, but I'mma bounce right back. right back. right back. I ain't staying down because I got my I ain't staying down because I got my I ain't staying down because I got my armor on. I'm protected. God is my armor on. I'm protected. God is my armor on. I'm protected. God is my strength and God is is is helping me. strength and God is is is helping me. strength and God is is is helping me. So, that word wrestle is a word that's So, that word wrestle is a word that's So, that word wrestle is a word that's used used to describe hand-tohand used used to describe hand-tohand used used to describe hand-tohand combat. combat. combat. Uh when you're in the military, uh I'm Uh when you're in the military, uh I'm Uh when you're in the military, uh I'm sure there's times you got to do sure there's times you got to do sure there's times you got to do handtohand combat, especially back in, handtohand combat, especially back in, handtohand combat, especially back in, you know, back in the day, we didn't you know, back in the day, we didn't you know, back in the day, we didn't have all this modern stuff. Most of the have all this modern stuff. Most of the have all this modern stuff. Most of the time it was hand-to-hand combat. It speaks of the ancient struggles that It speaks of the ancient struggles that took place in the Roman arenas when the took place in the Roman arenas when the took place in the Roman arenas when the combatants met on the on the field of combatants met on the on the field of combatants met on the on the field of battle and they were uh not wrestling to battle and they were uh not wrestling to battle and they were uh not wrestling to win a prize like modern ethics do these win a prize like modern ethics do these win a prize like modern ethics do these now days. But they were rest they were now days. But they were rest they were now days. But they were rest they were fighting for their lives fighting for their lives fighting for their lives because those ancient contests were a because those ancient contests were a because those ancient contests were a fight to the death. And that's what you fight to the death. And that's what you fight to the death. And that's what you and I in tonight. We're in a fight to and I in tonight. We're in a fight to and I in tonight. We're in a fight to the death. Somebody's got to give Somebody's got to give and it don't need to be us. and it don't need to be us. and it don't need to be us. Somebody's going to lose and it don't Somebody's going to lose and it don't Somebody's going to lose and it don't need to be us. Don't need to be you. need to be us. Don't need to be you. need to be us. Don't need to be you. Don't have to be you. So, we're in a Don't have to be you. So, we're in a Don't have to be you. So, we're in a literal fight for our lives. Our enemy literal fight for our lives. Our enemy literal fight for our lives. Our enemy will stop at nothing to destroy us. He will stop at nothing to destroy us. He will stop at nothing to destroy us. He will use any trick that he can, any will use any trick that he can, any will use any trick that he can, any deception, any tactic at all to bring deception, any tactic at all to bring deception, any tactic at all to bring about our defeat. about our defeat. about our defeat. He'll do whatever he can to defeat you. He'll do whatever he can to defeat you. He'll do whatever he can to defeat you. But we need God's power. We need God's But we need God's power. We need God's But we need God's power. We need God's help. We need him if we hope to stand help. We need him if we hope to stand help. We need him if we hope to stand against the relentless attacks of the against the relentless attacks of the against the relentless attacks of the enemy. enemy. enemy. And with his strength, we can stand. And with his strength, we can stand. And with his strength, we can stand. So we wrestle not against flesh and So we wrestle not against flesh and So we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Paul said, "I'm not fighting blood. Paul said, "I'm not fighting blood. Paul said, "I'm not fighting against you. You're not fighting against against you. You're not fighting against against you. You're not fighting against me. You see, our enemy is never another You see, our enemy is never another human. human. human. There ain't nobody in this church There ain't nobody in this church There ain't nobody in this church tonight that I consider to be my enemy. There's nobody in this church that I There's nobody in this church that I consider to be against me. consider to be against me. consider to be against me. But there's one that is against me, and But there's one that is against me, and But there's one that is against me, and I know that's Satan. He's against me. I know that's Satan. He's against me. I know that's Satan. He's against me. He's my enemy. He's my adversary. He's my enemy. He's my adversary. He's my enemy. He's my adversary. So when somebody does you wrong, So when somebody does you wrong, So when somebody does you wrong, when somebody hurts your feelings, when somebody hurts your feelings, when somebody hurts your feelings, they're not your enemy. If your wife walks off and leave you or If your wife walks off and leave you or your husband walks up and leaves you, your husband walks up and leaves you, your husband walks up and leaves you, that don't that don't make them your that don't that don't make them your that don't that don't make them your enemy. When your children walk away from enemy. When your children walk away from enemy. When your children walk away from you and don't associate with you you and don't associate with you you and don't associate with you anymore, that's not your enemy. Your anymore, that's not your enemy. Your anymore, that's not your enemy. Your enemy is the devil. enemy is the devil. enemy is the devil. And I wish people in churches would And I wish people in churches would And I wish people in churches would realize that realize that realize that within ourselves, we're not our enemy, within ourselves, we're not our enemy, within ourselves, we're not our enemy, our own enemy. The devil is our enemy. our own enemy. The devil is our enemy. our own enemy. The devil is our enemy. If there's trouble in the church, it's If there's trouble in the church, it's If there's trouble in the church, it's not so much of the people as it is of not so much of the people as it is of not so much of the people as it is of the devil because he has started it. the devil because he has started it. the devil because he has started it. He's implicated in somebody's heart, and He's implicated in somebody's heart, and He's implicated in somebody's heart, and somebody's mind to start trouble. somebody's mind to start trouble. somebody's mind to start trouble. That's his whole purpose is to start That's his whole purpose is to start That's his whole purpose is to start trouble among Christian believers. Amen. trouble among Christian believers. Amen. trouble among Christian believers. Amen. He's tried Wilson Mill Church of God. He's tried Wilson Mill Church of God. He's tried Wilson Mill Church of God. I'm sure many times, but he's never won I'm sure many times, but he's never won I'm sure many times, but he's never won that battle. that battle. that battle. He's never won that battle. He's never won that battle. He's never won that battle. So, the enemy is never another human. So, the enemy is never another human. So, the enemy is never another human. And one of the greatest tricks of the And one of the greatest tricks of the And one of the greatest tricks of the devil is to focus our attention on other devil is to focus our attention on other devil is to focus our attention on other people and what they do to us. And he people and what they do to us. And he people and what they do to us. And he uses them to distract us from walking uses them to distract us from walking uses them to distract us from walking with the Lord. with the Lord. with the Lord. And what and when we take that bait And what and when we take that bait And what and when we take that bait and we focus and we focus and we focus our attention on what other people do, our attention on what other people do, our attention on what other people do, we lose sight of Jesus. we lose sight of Jesus. we lose sight of Jesus. When you continue when you when you just When you continue when you when you just When you continue when you when you just focus yourself on what other people do, focus yourself on what other people do, focus yourself on what other people do, you you're losing sight of Christ. When you when you focus on other people When you when you focus on other people the way they live, if they're not living the way they live, if they're not living the way they live, if they're not living the way you live, then you're going to the way you live, then you're going to the way you live, then you're going to lose sight of Jesus because you're lose sight of Jesus because you're lose sight of Jesus because you're focused on that person. They're not focused on that person. They're not focused on that person. They're not doing what I'm doing. They're not living doing what I'm doing. They're not living doing what I'm doing. They're not living like I'm living. like I'm living. like I'm living. But that, you know, that's their that's But that, you know, that's their that's But that, you know, that's their that's their problem. Shouldn't be your their problem. Shouldn't be your their problem. Shouldn't be your problem. Pray for that person. Try your problem. Pray for that person. Try your problem. Pray for that person. Try your best to help that person. And don't best to help that person. And don't best to help that person. And don't don't just sit there and eyeball them don't just sit there and eyeball them don't just sit there and eyeball them all the time because they're not living all the time because they're not living all the time because they're not living the way you live. Because everybody the way you live. Because everybody the way you live. Because everybody ain't going to live the same way. You ain't going to live the same way. You ain't going to live the same way. You can preach holiness till you turn blue can preach holiness till you turn blue can preach holiness till you turn blue in the face that everybody's not going in the face that everybody's not going in the face that everybody's not going to live it. to live it. to live it. There's always going to be some There's always going to be some There's always going to be some naysayers. naysayers. naysayers. Amen. So, who is the enemy? It's the devil. He So, who is the enemy? It's the devil. He is our enemy. He's the whole problem. is our enemy. He's the whole problem. is our enemy. He's the whole problem. He's the whole reason things get out of He's the whole reason things get out of He's the whole reason things get out of hand sometimes. So, the enemy is Satan hand sometimes. So, the enemy is Satan hand sometimes. So, the enemy is Satan and all the spiritual forces that he and all the spiritual forces that he and all the spiritual forces that he controls. We don't need to be hung up controls. We don't need to be hung up controls. We don't need to be hung up on the individual classifications and on the individual classifications and on the individual classifications and ranks that I just mentioned. ranks that I just mentioned. ranks that I just mentioned. Get your eyes off of off of people and Get your eyes off of off of people and Get your eyes off of off of people and put your eyes on Jesus. put your eyes on Jesus. put your eyes on Jesus. Put that armor on and leave it on Put that armor on and leave it on Put that armor on and leave it on and stand. When you done everything and stand. When you done everything and stand. When you done everything else, just stand. The devil deceives us by lying to us The devil deceives us by lying to us about consequences of of our sins. about consequences of of our sins. about consequences of of our sins. He deceives us by casting doubt on the He deceives us by casting doubt on the He deceives us by casting doubt on the word of God. He deceives us by causing word of God. He deceives us by causing word of God. He deceives us by causing us to to doubt God's goodness. us to to doubt God's goodness. us to to doubt God's goodness. He deceives us by causing us to think He deceives us by causing us to think He deceives us by causing us to think that that we achieve salvation or that that we achieve salvation or that that we achieve salvation or victory on our own. victory on our own. victory on our own. Ain't nobody can save themselves. We can Ain't nobody can save themselves. We can Ain't nobody can save themselves. We can only be saved through Christ. He's the only be saved through Christ. He's the only be saved through Christ. He's the door. Our enemy is deceptive. He is door. Our enemy is deceptive. He is door. Our enemy is deceptive. He is smart. He is powerful. And he's after smart. He is powerful. And he's after smart. He is powerful. And he's after you. He will destroy you if he gets an you. He will destroy you if he gets an you. He will destroy you if he gets an opportunity. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, it says, The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, it says, "Be sober, "Be sober, "Be sober, be vigilant, be vigilant, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, as a because your adversary, the devil, as a because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour." he may devour." he may devour." He's walking around right now whistle me He's walking around right now whistle me He's walking around right now whistle me somewhere another, he's got his eye on somewhere another, he's got his eye on somewhere another, he's got his eye on somebody and he's just waiting to devour somebody and he's just waiting to devour somebody and he's just waiting to devour that person. In conclusion, brother Blake, you can In conclusion, brother Blake, you can come. In conclusion, tonight, listen. come. In conclusion, tonight, listen. come. In conclusion, tonight, listen. How do we defeat an enemy How do we defeat an enemy How do we defeat an enemy that we cannot see? that we cannot see? that we cannot see? I can't see the devil. I can't see the devil. I can't see the devil. I can't v uh visibly hear him talk, I can't v uh visibly hear him talk, I can't v uh visibly hear him talk, but I know he's exist. but I know he's exist. but I know he's exist. How in the world can I fight something How in the world can I fight something How in the world can I fight something that I can't see, something that I can't that I can't see, something that I can't that I can't see, something that I can't touch? touch? touch? simply by putting on the armor of God simply by putting on the armor of God simply by putting on the armor of God and trusting God. and trusting God. and trusting God. That's the only way that I can fight That's the only way that I can fight That's the only way that I can fight him. him. him. Be strong in the Lord and in the power Be strong in the Lord and in the power Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of of his might. Put on the whole armor of of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand God that you may be able to stand God that you may be able to stand against the ws of the devil. against the ws of the devil. against the ws of the devil. That's the only way it can be done. That's the only way it can be done. That's the only way it can be done. So stop fighting your own battles and So stop fighting your own battles and So stop fighting your own battles and let God fight them for you. let God fight them for you. let God fight them for you. You are no match for the devil. You are You are no match for the devil. You are You are no match for the devil. You are no match for his demons. no match for his demons. no match for his demons. But Jesus is. But Jesus is. But Jesus is. And when we stand in him, And when we stand in him, And when we stand in him, he will equip us he will equip us he will equip us to stand for [music] him. So my question to you tonight, are you So my question to you tonight, are you in him? Are you in Christ? Cuz if you in him? Are you in Christ? Cuz if you in him? Are you in Christ? Cuz if you are, you have what you need to stand are, you have what you need to stand are, you have what you need to stand against Satan and the demons of hell. So tonight, I want you to stand with me. So tonight, I want you to stand with me. I want you to invite I want to invite I want you to invite I want to invite I want you to invite I want to invite you to the altar tonight you to the altar tonight you to the altar tonight for a little bit. I want you to understand that we can I want you to understand that we can stand tonight stand tonight stand tonight for Christ because Christ has stood for for Christ because Christ has stood for for Christ because Christ has stood for us. us. us. He's made it possible that we could He's made it possible that we could He's made it possible that we could stand
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